The Ambulatory Semi-Poikilothermic Dog (Poikilothermic Against Cold)

To prepare an ambulatory poikilothermic homotherm to be used a as a tool for studying the effects of thermal variables uncomplicated by superimposed neurogenic regulatory influences, and b as a background basis for assaying or evaluating partial impairment of thermo regulatory functions. To ultimately associate neurogenic thermo regulatory functions with specific anatomical structures. The desirability of having a chronic poikilothermic homotherm available for evaluating the effects of thermal variables uncomplicated by superimposed regulatory influences has long been appreciated. Isenschmid and Schnitzler 1 in l9l4 and Bazett and Penfield 2 in 1922, made decided efforts to maintain mid-brain rabbits and cats, respectively, to chronicity with the foregoing end point as a principal objective. Both teams of investigators failed to maintain their animals to long-term chronicity. The limiting factor in both instances appeared to be predominantly a matter of adequate nursing care.